haikuhead
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 167
Location: London
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Post by haikuhead on Dec 20, 2014 21:43:24 GMT
I'm sure my P5B is not unique amongst forum members with this problem but my '73 Coupe is a really poor starter if it hasn't been driven for about 3 days. Even with some choke I'll still have to turn the engine over for about 30 seconds ... and maybe even several times 30 seconds.
I've just had a garage install an electric fuel pump and replace the old Luminition electronic ignition but the car is still behaving the same.
Any suggestions for what else can be tried? Maybe some P5s are reliable and some are just not ... regardless of how much money you throw at them? I hope this is not the case but this problem is now becoming quite irritating. My old P5B saloon in the 80s and 90s was a reliable starter so I am hoping something can be tweaked to make this Coupe the same.
Thanks!
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Post by Roverboy on Dec 20, 2014 22:09:05 GMT
My 1972 coupe was the same we had the carbs overhauled and a manuel choke installed . We used the cold start T handle out of a mk3 p5. She now starts very easily.
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Post by enigmas on Dec 20, 2014 22:38:30 GMT
Something has not been diagnosed and correctly rectified. I don't imagine it's parked outside in snow and ice! Check the float levels in the SUs and the pump output at the bowls. Check both needles are matched and that the air slides lift easily and drop at the same rate. If your plug leads are old carbon fibre types they are probably suspect. Purchase a quality set of spiral core leads for use on an LPG fueled engine as they have a much lower resistance and a better output. As for the plugs, all the gaps should be the same (.030" should be fine) and the electrodes should be filed to sharp edges if used. (Try it, it is quite noticeable) Lastly check that the coil is receiving a full 12 volts and that it is not reverse connected by accident. The coil may also be faulty.
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Dec 21, 2014 6:30:59 GMT
They are not that bad - low compressions/head gasket leaks will not help as will tired/slow starter motor
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kaiser
Rover Fanatic
worth his V8 in gold!
Posts: 136
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Post by kaiser on Dec 21, 2014 11:17:47 GMT
Mine starts extremely well, even if not driven for months!. I was about to suggest an electric fuel pump and electronic ignition, because that made all the difference in mine, but I see you have got that already. Must be carbs then I guess?
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haikuhead
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 167
Location: London
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Post by haikuhead on Dec 21, 2014 12:40:01 GMT
Something has not been diagnosed and correctly rectified. Many thanks to all of your helpful replies. It certainly seems the problem was not correctly diagnosed so I will return the car to the garage after Xmas with some of the useful suggestions you have all made. Season's Greetings!
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haikuhead
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 167
Location: London
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Post by haikuhead on Jan 14, 2015 9:55:28 GMT
Mine starts extremely well, even if not driven for months! On average, how many seconds do members need to turn the ignition over before the car actually starts? Just wondering what is 'normal' nowadays for these old cars.
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kaiser
Rover Fanatic
worth his V8 in gold!
Posts: 136
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Post by kaiser on Jan 14, 2015 10:47:46 GMT
Mine starts extremely well, even if not driven for months! On average, how many seconds do members need to turn the ignition over before the car actually starts? Just wondering what is 'normal' nowadays for these old cars. Depends on how well it is set up. My P5 and P4 starts far easier than my modern 75s!! So much for progress. Not! We are not talking seconds. My P 4 with a crank-handle starts on a quarter turn of the handle! You seem to have a problem. Otherwise you wouldn't need to ask.
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haikuhead
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 167
Location: London
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Post by haikuhead on Jan 14, 2015 11:04:40 GMT
You seem to have a problem. Otherwise you wouldn't need to ask. Yes, I think I do. we have got it down from about 15 seconds turnover to 6 seconds but that still seems too long.
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haikuhead
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 167
Location: London
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Post by haikuhead on Jan 14, 2015 11:06:31 GMT
depends if you have a mechanical pump or an electric replacement. The electric pump will prime immediately and so the car should start quickly ... Other factors will be the usual age-old problems of plugs/points/carb adjustments etc etc. Has electric pump, electronic ignition ... plug/points/carbs have been adjusted. 5-6 seconds is better than 10-15 seconds but I still get the feeling it should 'catch' faster.
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Post by Colin McA on Jan 14, 2015 20:31:13 GMT
I found the tired starter didnt help, i could almost drain the battery trying. Bought a high torque and it spins over a treat.
Colin
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Post by enigmas on Jan 15, 2015 3:02:59 GMT
Colin the electrical draw from the old "slow" starter motor pulls voltage from the ignition coil, hence no or late starting. This is readily evidenced if you check it with a multi-meter whilst cranking.
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Jan 15, 2015 8:52:44 GMT
Colin the electrical draw from the old "slow" starter motor pulls voltage from the ignition coil, hence no or late starting. This is readily evidenced if you check it with a multi-meter whilst cranking. Very true Vince add to the fact how good is the battery? also is it man enough for the job?
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Post by Welsh Warlock on Jan 15, 2015 9:05:24 GMT
Also worth checking the earthing straps from the sub frame to body.
Corrosion can build up around the bolts or if someone had done an underbonnet tidy up the contact can be impeded by paint or the bolts worked loose.
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jan 15, 2015 10:32:33 GMT
Bad engine or battery to rusty rear cross member will give a slow starter. Do not judge from appearance remove and clean/replace including fixings
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Jan 15, 2015 11:01:46 GMT
Another one missing straps engine to subframe/body can be one or two used?
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haikuhead
Rover Fanatic
Posts: 167
Location: London
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Post by haikuhead on Jan 15, 2015 13:02:29 GMT
tired starter didnt help. Bought a high torque and it spins over a treat. Colin Interesting Which make / model did you buy?
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jan 15, 2015 14:19:44 GMT
Why not try SEARCH?
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jan 17, 2015 15:18:25 GMT
Its always a good idea to pause to allow the battery to recover and it allows the petrol vapors to settle
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